The three-alarm fire broke out about 9 p.m. at the private school, popularly known as CATS.

No one was injured, but seeing the stage in tatters was painful enough for students and staff alike.

“To see the children, former and present, crying is just devastating,” said Heather Simmons, executive director of the school. “This is not how it’s supposed to be for this organization.”

Claire Griffin was one of around 30 students and alumni who watched smoke pour from the building in the 1100 block of Randol Mill Road.

“This is where I grew up,” the 17-year-old said. “This is my first home.”

The school suffered extensive damage from the fire, smoke and water used to extinguish it.

“The fire was in a position where it was really hard to get to,” Battalion Chief Brian Cudaback told WFAA-TV (Channel 8). “We ended up pulling some companies back, doing what’s called a defensive strike.”

Fire officials are investigating the cause of the fire, which appeared to start in the rear of the building where the stage is located.